FAQs: Hirudotherapy - Leech Therapy
Improve circulation, reduce pain and enhance wellbeing.
1. What can you treat with the leech therapy
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Bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Cholesterol level control & metabolism normalisation.
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Oedema elimination, lymphocytosis & immunity improvement.
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Coronary artery disease, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction control & stroke rehabilitation.
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Trophic disorders in tissues & organs, in general or after burns/ scars, injuries.
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Anticoagulation effect, haemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis & varicose veins treatment.
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Peripheral circulation recovery, migraine, tension headache.
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Infertility, post miscarriage/ abortion rehabilitation, endometriosis, cystitis, menstrual control & pain relief, chronic pelvic inflammatory processes, adhesive processes
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Wrinkle reduction, non-surgical facial lifting, cellulite reduction & rejuvenation.
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Spondylosis (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, lumbago, hernias, arthrosis, arthritis. Libido dysfunction.
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Detoxification, allergies, liver cleanse, stomach ulcer.
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Prostate, myopia, adnexitis, pneumonia, diabetes, glaucoma & more.
2. Who can’t use Leech Therapy?
Hirudotherapy is contraindicated in cases of poor blood clotting (e.g., haemophilia), severe anaemia, pregnancy, chronic hypotension, and allergic reactions to leech secretion components. The procedure is also not performed in cases of cancer (until stable remission), acute infections, intoxication, and certain mental disorders.
3. How often can you use Leech Therapy?
The frequency of hirudotherapy depends on the specific condition and is prescribed by a doctor. Typically, a course consists of 3-10 sessions, no more than twice a week, with intervals of at least 5 days between treatments. For general health improvement, a course can be performed every six months.
4. Can I buy myself and do treatments?
Your therapist can supply you with leeches upon request at a negotiated price and only for a certain number of treatments, and allow you to use them yourself only after completing a course of self-treatment for your specific problem.
5. How many can I use in one go?
During a single hirudotherapy session, 1-2 to 10-12 leeches can be applied, but most commonly 2-8 are used. The exact number depends on the patient's specific problem, their health condition, and the doctor's recommendations. The first session often begins with one leech to test tolerance.
Standard number: Typically, 2 to 8 leeches are used per session.
Maximum number: In some cases, depending on specific indications, up to 10-12 leeches can be applied.
First treatment: Often, a single leech is used to test the body's response to the procedure.
Factors affecting the number: The therapist determines the number of leeches based on the diagnosis and the patient's individual characteristics.
6. How many sessions do I need to get the results?
Standard course: 3-10 sessions, prescribed individually by a doctor.
Frequency: No more than twice a week, with at least 6 days between treatments to allow the body to recover.
Full course: For maximum effect, 8-10 sessions may be required; duration depends on the condition.
Wellness course: Optimal frequency is every 6 months or once a year; even every 2-3 years will be beneficial.
7. How does it work?
Hirudotherapy works by influencing the human body with the saliva of medicinal leeches, which contains a unique set of enzymes. When biting, the leech injects substances into the blood that thin the blood, relieve pain, and have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. As a result, blood pressure is reduced, circulation is normalised, and overall health is improved.
Bite: The leech bites the skin to a depth of 1.5–2 mm and begins feeding, drawing approximately 5–15 ml of blood per session.
Saliva: When leech saliva enters the bloodstream, it releases bioactive substances. The most well-known of these is hirudin, which inhibits blood clotting.
Effects:
Anticoagulant: Hirudin inhibits blood clots.
Analgesic: Saliva contains an anaesthetic that makes the bite virtually painless.
Anti-inflammatory: Enzymes in saliva have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Immunostimulant: Hirudotherapy stimulates the immune system.
Vascular decongestion: Reducing blood volume in the body helps decongest the blood vessels and normalise blood pressure.
What happens after the session
Healing: The bite leaves a wound that gradually heals. Blood vessels can regenerate, and blood flow in them begins to accelerate.
Visible effect: Noticeable improvements usually occur within two months of starting treatment.
8. Can someone’s leeches infect me?
NO. The therapist uses only sterile Medical leeches, grown on special farms, which are used only once and then disposed of, eliminating the possibility of infection.
9. How long has the bleeding been leaking, and why
Bleeding after the session occurs because leeches inject substances into the blood that prevent clotting, specifically hirudin, and because the wound remains open, allowing lymph and blood to leak for several hours. This is a normal reaction to a bite, and prolonged bleeding promotes natural cleansing and improves circulation.
Leech saliva: Leech saliva contains hirudin, which has an anticoagulant effect and prevents blood clotting. This reduces the risk of blood clots and improves microcirculation.
Postoperative bleeding: After a bite that penetrates the skin to a depth of approximately 1.5 mm, blood and lymph may leak from the wound for several hours (usually 3 to 24). This is part of the natural cleansing process that occurs after the procedure.
Improving blood flow: The continuous release of blood and lymph is part of the therapeutic effect of hirudotherapy, which aims to improve blood circulation and normalise blood flow.
10. Why do I have clots after the session?
Blood clots occur because the leech's saliva contains a blood-thinning substance (an anticoagulant) to prevent clotting during suction. After the procedure, when the leech is no longer active, the blood begins to clot, potentially forming clots in the wound slowly. This is considered normal and can continue for several hours.
11. How do I change the bandage if I can’t do it myself?
You will receive training on changing dressings and treating wounds. If you are unable to do this yourself, you can come in for a dressing procedure, which is paid for separately by agreement.
12. How long will the effect last after the course?
Duration of action: The effect after the sessions can last up to 3 months, during which time blood clots are resorbed, and the blood condition improves.
13. Why is the bite zone itchy after the session?
Itching after leech application is due to a skin reaction to the bite and can last several days. This is due to the leech injecting enzymes into the bloodstream through its saliva, as well as the natural wound-healing process. Avoid scratching the bite site under any circumstances to prevent infection and to support healing.
What is happening, and why does itching occur
Biological reaction: Leech saliva contains biologically active substances (e.g., hyaluronidase, collagenase, elastase), which act on the tissue and blood during the bite. This reaction can cause skin irritation.
Symptoms: A burning sensation, like a nettle sting, may accompany the procedure and recur afterwards. Local itching after leech application may last for several days.
How to relieve itching
Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the bite site.
Bandage: It is essential not to remove the bandage prematurely. It will help stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
Important precautions
Do not scratch: Never scratch the bite, even if the itching is severe. This can lead to skin damage, infection, and disruption of the healing process.
14. Why do I have red pigments after the session?
Redness after leech application is a normal reaction caused by the bite. It may be accompanied by slight bleeding from the wound, which is caused by the leech's saliva, which contains anticoagulants. Bruising may also occur after the procedure. To minimise discomfort and risk, follow your doctor's instructions: apply a bandage and do not remove it prematurely, and maintain good hygiene.
Why Redness Occurs
Natural Reaction: Redness is a typical local skin reaction to the bite and the introduction of biologically active substances from the leech's saliva.
Anticoagulant Action: Leech saliva contains substances that prevent blood clotting, so slight bleeding from the wound may continue for up to 24 hours.
Immune System Activation: Redness and bruising may indicate that the body's immune system is actively responding to the procedure.
What to do after the procedure
Don't remove the bandage prematurely: The bandage will help stop bleeding and protect the wound from infection.
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From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds
45 min
From 100 British pounds45 min
From 100 British pounds